Winebrenner Transfer, Inc based in Hagerstown, MD, will pay $42,000 to resolve a pay discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced a few days ago.
Based on conversations with male co-workers, Tina Thompson, a truck driver for Winebrenner Transfer, believed she was paid less than male drivers and complained several times about the perceived pay discrimination. The company’s owner fired her on the spot after she sent him a text message saying she believed she was paid less than make co-workers simply because she was female.
The EEOC filed suit on Thompson’s behalf in U.S District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, after first attempting to reach a voluntary pre-litication settlement.
The $42,000 settlement represents full back pay in the amount of $21,000 and liquidated damages of $21,000 for violating the law.
Also as a result of the lawsuit, Winebrenner Transfer’s owner and vice president will be required to take and anti-discrimination training course. The trucking company will also implement an anti-discrimination policy and complaint procedure to all employees and applicants as well as post a remedial notice regarding the settlement.
“To stamp out pay discrimination, it is vital that employees can raise pay concerns with their boss without suffering from reprisal,” said EEOC Philadelphia Regional Attorney Debra M. Lawrence.
“If and employee complains about pay discrimination, or any form of illegal discrimination, the best course of action for the employer is to investigate and take appropriate action to correct the situation. Everyone loses if an employer acts rashly and fires someone for complaining about pay discrimination, including the employer, who may then face an EEOC investigation or lawsuit,” said EEOC Philadelphia District Director Spencer H. Lewis, Jr.
The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information is available at their website at www.eeoc.gov
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